This verse demonstrates Joshua’s unwavering obedience in eradicating the corrupt influences that threatened Israel’s devotion to God.
Joshua leads the Israelites in battle after Moses’ death, around 1406 to 1399 BC, and carries out the LORD’s directives for conquering the Promised Land. In this pivotal conquest, the text tells us, “They struck every person who was in it with the edge of the sword, utterly destroying them; there was no one left who breathed. And he burned Hazor with fire” (v.11). Hazor, located in the northern region of Canaan near the Sea of Galilee, was a significant city of influence and power—one of the largest fortified sites in that area. By laying it to waste, Joshua fulfilled the divinely sanctioned judgment on the corrupt and idolatrous practices prevalent among the inhabitants.
When we read that “they struck every person…utterly destroying them” (v.11), it is a vivid display of Joshua’s obedience to God’s command to completely remove the strongholds of corruption in the land. While this might seem extreme, it underscores the seriousness with which God treats sin and idolatry, and why He desired a fresh start for the Israelites. This devastation also served to protect Israel from adopting the pagan ways of the people who dwelled in Hazor. Centuries later, we see that Jesus similarly calls His followers to be set apart, to cast away sin and any destructive influences (John 17:14-17).
Finally, the statement “And he burned Hazor with fire” (v.11) highlights the totality of the victory and the permanence of its outcome. Burning the city likely prevented its immediate reconstruction, sending a clear message that God’s purposes would prevail over the mightiest of earthly powers. In that symbolism, we can see a foreshadowing of the ultimate judgment and renewal the New Testament describes, where Christ reigns victorious over all spiritual opposition (Revelation 20:10).
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Joshua 11:11 meaning
Joshua leads the Israelites in battle after Moses’ death, around 1406 to 1399 BC, and carries out the LORD’s directives for conquering the Promised Land. In this pivotal conquest, the text tells us, “They struck every person who was in it with the edge of the sword, utterly destroying them; there was no one left who breathed. And he burned Hazor with fire” (v.11). Hazor, located in the northern region of Canaan near the Sea of Galilee, was a significant city of influence and power—one of the largest fortified sites in that area. By laying it to waste, Joshua fulfilled the divinely sanctioned judgment on the corrupt and idolatrous practices prevalent among the inhabitants.
When we read that “they struck every person…utterly destroying them” (v.11), it is a vivid display of Joshua’s obedience to God’s command to completely remove the strongholds of corruption in the land. While this might seem extreme, it underscores the seriousness with which God treats sin and idolatry, and why He desired a fresh start for the Israelites. This devastation also served to protect Israel from adopting the pagan ways of the people who dwelled in Hazor. Centuries later, we see that Jesus similarly calls His followers to be set apart, to cast away sin and any destructive influences (John 17:14-17).
Finally, the statement “And he burned Hazor with fire” (v.11) highlights the totality of the victory and the permanence of its outcome. Burning the city likely prevented its immediate reconstruction, sending a clear message that God’s purposes would prevail over the mightiest of earthly powers. In that symbolism, we can see a foreshadowing of the ultimate judgment and renewal the New Testament describes, where Christ reigns victorious over all spiritual opposition (Revelation 20:10).